“Violent Cop” (その男、凶暴につき) Original release Japanese B1 theatrical poster, Ultra Rare, 1989 — (approx. 103 × 72.8 cm)
“Violent Cop” (その男、凶暴につき)
Original release Japanese B1 large-format theatrical movie poster, 1989 — unrestored, very good / excellent condition
Ultra-rare, large-format Japanese original release poster for Sono otoko, kyōbō ni tsuki—released internationally as Violent Cop (also known as Warning: This Man is Wild)—the film that marked Takeshi Kitano’s directorial debut (credited in Japan as ビートたけし / Beat Takeshi) and the beginning of his career as a filmmaker.
Collector note: In the standard B2 size we have handled this extremely popular poster many times over the years—however this is the first time we have ever seen it in B1.
Details
• Film: その男、凶暴につき (Sono otoko, kyōbō ni tsuki)
• English title: Violent Cop (aka Warning: This Man is Wild)
• Release date (Japan): 12 August 1989
• Distributor (as credited for the Japanese release): 松竹富士 (Shochiku-Fuji)
• Director / Star (as credited on the poster): ビートたけし (Beat Takeshi)
• Producer (credited): 奥山和由 (Kazuyoshi Okuyama)
• Format: Japanese B1 large-format theatrical poster
• Approx. size: 40.6 × 28.7 in (approx. 103.0 × 72.8 cm)
(Note: JIS B1 is commonly standardised at 728 × 1030 mm; sizes can vary—always measure the individual example.)
• Photography credit (as printed): photographer: NOBORU TAKAHASHI
• Condition: Very Good / Excellent. Some pinholes from prior display; once framed it will display excellently. Please review the photos—they show the exact poster for sale.
Context
Violent Cop is widely recognised as the moment Kitano the filmmaker begins: a hard-edged, stylishly austere 1989 crime film in which Kitano plays Detective Azuma, a “Dirty Harry–type” cop whose methods are brutal and increasingly uncompromising as the story escalates into yakuza violence and personal stakes.
A particularly interesting period detail—reflected on this poster—is that for commercial reasons the promotional materials credited the director/star as “Beat Takeshi”, while the film’s credits distinguish director: Kitano Takeshi and starring: Beat Takeshi.
Takeshi Kitano
Takeshi Kitano (北野武)—internationally celebrated as a director, and famously known in Japan as ビートたけし—made Violent Cop as his feature directorial debut, launching the filmmaking career that would later define him as one of Japan’s most influential modern auteurs.
The poster
This is one of the most iconic Japanese film-poster designs of the late 1980s—built on stark contrast and typographic impact at true B1 wall scale:
• Monumental full-body monochrome portrait of Kitano, isolated against a near-blank field
• Explosive, oversized title typography: 「その男、凶暴につき」 slicing across the frame
• Dense blocks of Japanese copy layered across the figure, creating a brutalist editorial feel
• Credits printed at right: 監督・主演／ビートたけし (Director/Star: Beat Takeshi)
• Bottom imprint and logo: 配給／松竹富士株式会社 (Shochiku-Fuji)
Rarity and survival
Japanese theatrical posters were made to be displayed, not saved—especially large-format B1 sheets, which were used for bigger, more visible placements and are far less commonly encountered than standard B2. (In our experience: this is the first B1 example we’ve ever had, despite years of handling the title in B2.)
B1’s standardized size and typical use as a large poster format helps explain why survivors often show signs of handling and display.
Condition
Unrestored example with very good / excellent overall eye appeal. Pinholes from prior display are present (see photos), along with light handling wear consistent with an originally displayed Japanese theatrical poster. Once framed, the clean minimalist design and large white field make this an especially strong display piece.
It is over 35 years old!
It is not a reproduction or a reprint.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
